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The Policies of Pakatan Rakyat

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The Policies of Pakatan Rakyat The Policies of Pakatan Rakyat 1. Transparent and Genuine Democracy A. Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law B. Separation of Powers C. A Clean, Free and Fair Electoral System 2. Driving a High Performance, Sustainable and Equitable Economy A. High-Performance Economy B. Democratic and Transparent Economy C. Decentralisation and the Empowerment of the State Economic Management D. Affirmative Action Policies based on Need E. Labour F. Social Safety Net G. Housing H. Infrastructure and Public Facilities I. Environment J. Sustainable Growth and Green Development 3. Social Justice and Human Development A. Unity and Social Justice B. Religion C. Education D. Women and the Family E. Youth F. Security G. Healthcare H. Culture 4. Federal-State Relationship and Foreign Policy A. The Federal System B. Sabah and Sarawak C. Foreign Policy 1 PEOPLE’S CONSENSUS Pakatan Rakyat hereby put forward a policy agenda to lead the people and this nation out of the current worsening crisis. The people’s development agenda has been derailed due to a narrow understanding of race, divisive hate politics and authoritarianism. The recessive economy caused by the loss of moral conscience, the greed of corruption and archaic policies are causing Malaysia to be left behind compared to other vibrant economies in the region. The unjust economy is all the more apparent in the widening gap between the rich and the poor, between the urban and the rural population, and between the Peninsular and Sabah and Sarawak. The rising crime rate threatens lives and property because the police force has been used for narrow political ends. The integrity and independence of the judiciary continues to be damaged by political interference and business interests. After half a century of sovereign independence, Malaysia should have matured. This should have been realised when the people from various races, breaking down narrow and obsolete mindset, and manifest a new spirit to reject the perversion of power, the spread of corruption, the plunder of the nation’s wealth and the repression of the people’s rights. In appreciating the people’s aspirations, Pakatan Rakyat therefore declares our commitment to fully internalise and carry out an agenda of new politics by mobilizing the people’s power from the various races, religions and cultures as one force. Further, we have confidence; we can change our policy framework from narrow racial approach to principles based on religious faiths, humanism, ethical and human rights, and equality before the law regardless of status, race or group. The policies that are derived from adherence to the Constitution and universal principles of justice will safeguard the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, which in turn will guarantee that the human rights and dignity of the people will continuously be defended and upheld. Pakatan Rakyat is confident that the Malaysian economy can be driven at a faster pace through a market based economy that is humane, leading towards a more holistic human development. Economic policies should make Malaysia competitive, maintain a healthy investment climate, implement progressive taxation, but firm in its desire to realise justice through the equitable economic distribution especially for the poor and marginalised. 2 Pakatan Rakyat rejects policies that allow for corruption and other financial crimes and abuse of power. In order to ensure sustainable growth, oppressive policies that had only enriched the few should be replaced with a policy that ensures that the poor are assisted regardless of race. As such, we invite the Malaysian people to create a new consensus that is founded on principles of justice for all and Constitutionalism. This is the agenda that must be done if we are to regain the nation’s respect, freedom and dignity. Only by providing justice for all can the people live prosperously and in unity. 3 1. Transparent and Genuine Democracy A. Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law The Federal Constitution is the manifestation of the aspirations and hopes of the independent Malaysian people. Within it, the fundamental rights of every citizen including rights to religion, language, citizenship and culture are fully guaranteed. Therefore, Pakatan Rakyat commits to uphold the spirit and provisions of the Federal Constitution. Pakatan Rakyat will: i. Defend the Federal Constitution, Islam as the religion of the Federation while other religions can be practiced peacefully anywhere in the country and protecting the special position of the Malays and the indigenous peoples anywhere including Sabah and Sarawak, and the legitimate interests of other races in accordance to Article 153. ii. Defend the role and responsibility of the institution of Constitutional Monarchy. iii. Uphold the use of Bahasa Melayu in accordance to Article 152 of the Constitution and promote Bahasa Melayu as the regional lingua franca, while protecting and strengthening the use of mother tongue languages for all races. iv. Abolish the Internal Security Act and other laws that allow for detention without trial while simultaneously propose that all existing emergency declarations are rescinded. v. Abolish or amend all other oppressive laws and regulations that are repressive and contravene fundamental rights. vi. Guarantee the spirit of Federalism and a just relationship between the Federation and states especially Sabah and Sarawak. 4 B. Separation of Powers The effectiveness of the democratic system is dependent on the proper implementation of separation of powers. The integrity of a government is dependent on the independence, credibility and legitimacy of its institutions that have been entrusted to ensure checks and balances between the branches of the executive, judicial and legislative. Pakatan Rakyat will: i. Restore the integrity of the judicial system and guarantee transparency and full independence of the Judicial Appointment Commission. ii. Restructure the workings in Parliament to make it more transparent, democratic and able to perform its role to check and balance. iii. Guarantee the direct accountability to Parliament of bodies such as the Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Human Rights Commission, Petronas, Khazanah and others. iv. Ensure that the appointment of positions such as the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General, the Anti-Corruption Commissioner and the Auditor General requires the approval of Parliament. v. Create a National Ombudsman Department. vi. Strengthen local government democracy and democratically enhance the competency and effectiveness of the delivery system and guarantee transparency at all levels. vii. Free all media, amend the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, enact a Freedom of Information Act and ensure Internet freedom. viii. Enhance the performance of public service sector and ensure the welfare of its members. Ensure that the institution remains independent and able to perform its responsibilities competently. ix. Empower and enhance civil society. Increase the participation of people through dialogues and consultations. 5 C. A Clean, Free and Fair Electoral System The tarnished electoral system must be restored of its integrity. The sovereign power of the people to choose the country’s leadership must be defended from any defects that allows for manipulation. Therefore it is important for us to review all the relevant electoral laws. Pakatan Rakyat will: i. Enable all citizens age 18 and above to vote via automatic registration. ii. Eliminate all weaknesses in the electoral system by cleaning the electoral roll; abolish postal votes for voters within the country, ensure all citizens outside the country can vote; and introduce the use of indelible ink. iii. Ensure the media provides political parties fair and just space, reasonable campaign period and a clean and free election process. iv. Re-delineate constituencies to mirror the principle of One Citizen, One Vote in order to guarantee a more fair and just representation. v. Grant political parties campaign expenditures based on the percentages of votes in general elections. vi. Enact more effective laws to punish candidates or political parties that are involved in corruption or vote-buying practices. 6 2. Driving a High Performance, Sustainable and Equitable Economy Pakatan Rakyat is determined to create a national economy with high performance and sustainable growth. To ensure national competitiveness, it is critical that effective distribution of national resources and wealth in key and strategic fields or sectors of the economy. Stimulating local investment and generating strong domestic demand as well as attracting continuous foreign direct investments will foster an economy that is progressive and resilient. Pakatan Rakyat is committed to create a ‘People’s Economy’ to ensure prosperity and wealth generated will be reaped by people of all classes. Whilst reducing the gap between rich and poor, as well as overcoming the disparity of development between regions, as a consequence of mismanagement that failed to prioritise the interests of the majority. A. High-Performance Economy The basis of a high-performance economy is a workforce that is knowledge- based, competent and highly-skilled. Pakatan Rakyat will provide all necessary investment to produce a high-productivity workforce in order to boost high-added value in national economic activities. Pakatan Rakyat will: i. Guarantee opportunities of higher education and training based on competency are provided in all service, manufacturing
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